India’s AI Revolution: How GCCs are Reshaping Global Strategy

India’s Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are undergoing a massive transformation. Once viewed primarily as low-cost execution hubs for global headquarters, these centers are now becoming the strategic nerve centers where multinational companies design, test, and scale artificial intelligence for their global operations. According to Nasscom President Rajesh Nambiar, this shift is fundamentally changing how the world views India’s role in the global tech ecosystem.

Nambiar points out that AI is no longer just a standalone project; it is being embedded into the very fabric of enterprise operations, from internal workflows to customer-facing products. This evolution is driven by three major structural shifts. First, leadership is changing, with 64% of GCC site leaders now holding dual mandates that involve both global business ownership and local site leadership. This means decisions made in India are directly impacting global outcomes.

Secondly, the nature of work has moved beyond simple technology support. Indian GCCs are now managing entire enterprise platforms and complex AI governance frameworks. This high-level ownership is backed by an incredible talent pool. India currently hosts over 1,200 GCCs with dedicated AI and machine learning capabilities. With more than 250,000 AI professionals, India now accounts for nearly 28% of the global GCC AI talent pool, ranking second only to the United States.

Beyond the large-scale centers, the broader Indian business landscape is seeing the rise of 'Hidden Gems'—companies and innovators who are quietly reshaping industries. From data analytics firms like TheMathCompany turning information into 'decision intelligence' to niche startups building competitive moats, the focus is shifting toward measurable ROI and sustainable value. As India moves toward 2030, its position as the world's application and deployment layer for AI seems more secure than ever.

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